By David Kent for MailOnline. Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema have been acquitted on charges of soliciting an underage prostitute. The French judge ruled there wasn't enough proof the men were aware that self-described escort Zahia Dehar, now 21, was a minor at the time. The two footballers, who didn't attend the trial, had faced up to three years in prison if found guilty. On trial: Franck Ribery left and Karim Benzema right have been acquitted on charges of soliciting an underage prostitute.
Dehar contends Ribery flew her to Munich as a birthday present to himself in when she was under She says she lied to the players and told them she was an adult. Dehar was also not present at the trial. Although Ribery has admitted to having sex with Dehar, he claims he did not pay her and that he did not know she was a prostitute or a minor at the time. Benzema has denied all the allegations. Dehar was 16 at the time.
Prostitution is legal in France, but prostitutes must be over The case has been hanging over the players since July , when a French judge issued preliminary charges against them. Ribery arguably had the best season of his career in , helping Bayern win the Bundesliga and Champions League. Last weekend, Benzema scored his th club goal for Madrid. Dehar, in her new capacity as fashion designer, attended the Versace haute couture fashion show in Paris on Sunday.
TUI Booking. Privacy Policy Feedback. Share or comment on this article: Ribery and Benzema acquitted on charges of soliciting an underage prostitute e-mail. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. Bing Site Web Enter search term: Search. Stars of sport The Wimbledon wedding dress!
Turkey's footballers snub healthy food to order doner kebabs to celebrate their run to the Euro quarter-finals Jose Enrique 'makes major blunder as former Liverpool defender tries to offer two players - including a Rangers star - to another team' in 'new role as an agent' Mikel Arteta claims 'stats show Arsenal should have won the title' and explains why he 'is NOT getting over' heartbreak of falling short against Man City Chelsea's academy guru Neil Bath, who masterminded Cobham production line for Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Co, QUITS club.
